Deadline extension for crown gall survey

The deadline for growers to complete a survey on crown gall, which could lead to HDC funding research into the problem, has been extended until 15 May.

Nursery consultant John Adlam said: "Crown gall is a major problem for many growers of ornamental and fruiting plants, leading to stunted plants and reduced yields. Because there is currently no control product for the disease we need to develop a policy for tackling it and maybe undertake research."

On completion, the survey data will be analysed by John Adlam, who chairs the HDC crown gall technical group, and then scrutinised by the HTA's hardy nursery stock panel.

The initial survey findings will be used to create policies for the control of the condition. They will also help to direct further research, which is likely to be financed by the HDC.

The survey, which is available online here, asks growers to specify which plants are affected and whether the disease is a sporadic or persistent problem. It will also try to discover what percentage of stock is damaged.

In addition, the survey looks at where the disease is found - whether in pots or open ground. It also tries to find out what control strategies are currently in use.

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